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Stretchable and Skin-Conformable Conductors Based on Polyurethane/Laser-Induced Graphene
Alexander Dallinger1, Kirill Keller1, Harald Fitzek2,3
1Institute of Solid State Physics, NAWI Graz, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, 8010 Graz, Austria.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|April 7, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed stretchable, breathable epidermal sensors using laser-induced graphene (LIG) embedded in polyurethane (MPU). These novel sensors offer excellent conductivity, piezoresistive properties, and stable connections for unperceivable skin monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Laser-induced graphene (LIG) is a promising material for flexible electronics.
- Developing unperceivable epidermal monitoring systems requires materials with excellent skin adhesion, stretchability, and breathability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create novel LIG/MPU composite materials for epidermal electronics.
- To investigate the effects of laser parameters on LIG properties.
- To demonstrate the potential of these composites for various sensing applications.
Main Methods:
- Embedding porous LIG (LIG-P) or LIG fibers (LIG-F) into medical-grade polyurethane (MPU).
- Investigating the influence of laser fluence and scribing geometry on LIG microstructure and composite properties.
- Developing a novel laser scribing method for vertical interconnect access (VIA).
Main Results:
- Achieved excellent stretchability (up to 100% strain) with retained conductivity after numerous cycles.
- Demonstrated distinct piezoresistive behavior with a gauge factor of 40.
- Successfully created conformable epidermal sensors for electromyographic recording, touch, and respiration detection with long-term wearability.
Conclusions:
- LIG/MPU composites offer a viable platform for advanced, unperceivable epidermal sensing.
- The developed VIA method ensures stable connections for epidermal devices.
- These sensors show great potential for continuous, minimally invasive health monitoring.
